Apratim’s janaza today; CoU students call protest

The first Namaz-e-Janaza for Ishrat Shahriar Apratim, the murdered son of Comilla University (CoU) Associate Professor Dr. Nahida Begum, will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday (September 20) at the university’s central mosque premises, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. M. Shariful Karim confirmed.

Following the funeral service, students at Comilla University have announced a campus-wide demonstration at the main gate to demand justice for the killing and enhanced civic security.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. M. Shariful Karim expressed deep grief while addressing reporters on Saturday evening after the victim's body arrived at his family home in Gandhamati, Cumilla. He stated that law enforcement agencies have already detained two suspects in connection with the murder. Following the first funeral at the university, a second Namaz-e-Janaza will take place at 11:00 AM at the Gandhamati Eidgah grounds.

In response to the tragic incident, the Comilla University administration declared a day of general mourning for Sunday, suspending all scheduled classes and examinations across all academic departments.

Students issued calls across social media platforms for a boycott of classes and full participation in the post-funeral protest. Student leaders urged the university community to assemble at the campus main gate following the 10:00 AM service to demand swift accountability and justice.

The teenager went missing on Friday afternoon, September 18, after leaving home to take photographs. His body was recovered from the Kotbari area approximately 21 hours later on Saturday afternoon and sent to Cumilla Sadar Hospital for an autopsy before being handed over to the family.

-SA